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The first handgun I will buy for myself.

ccasey612ccasey612 Member Posts: 901 ✭✭✭✭
edited June 2002 in General Discussion
Today I turn 21. I will buy my first handgun on my own today. I already have a few that has been given to me as a gift. I have a Ruger P85 9mm on lay away that I am picking up in 2 hours. It is already paid off for $325 but was just sitting until today. The day I turn 21. My question is that with this being the first gun I buy on my own do you folks think I over paid? How does this gun perform? I can switch it out to a different gun but it will have to be by 1pm when I pick it up. Any advise would be great. Happy birthday to ME.

If you will blame gun makers for every shooting then blame car maker for every car accident.
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Comments

  • thesupermonkeythesupermonkey Member Posts: 3,905 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Weren't the p85's a bit problematic?

    Don't worry about the bullet with your name on it, worry about the fragmentation grenade addressed 'To Occupant'.
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  • ccasey612ccasey612 Member Posts: 901 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I never had a chance to fire one. That is a good question that I can not answer. I hope someone else can. I liked it because I am a big guy and it fits well in my hand.

    If you will blame gun makers for every shooting then blame car maker for every car accident.
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  • simonbssimonbs Member Posts: 994 ✭
    edited November -1
    Happy Birthday!

    You gave yourself a good present. You didn't overpay, but you didn't get a great deal. That's about retail. As far as the gun itself, they function well with factory magazines and are good shooters. I have a P89 that I love. But the fit is all up to the user. Enjoy.
    I'm not afraid of the dark...the dark is afraid of me!
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  • offerorofferor Member Posts: 8,625 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Hey, it's your first gun purchase. You've got something called "buyer's remorse," which we all get from time to time, but once you pick up the gun and it's yours your doubts will fade away. $325 sounds about the going rate for one of those in my area of the world, and if you were going to change your mind, what else could you get for that? Probably nothing as satisfying to you. So if I were you I'd enjoy my choice to the max. Someday it will hold its value and you'll sell it for $299, buy something else, and have had all that pleasure for only $26 in the meantime.

    - Life NRA Member
    "If cowardly & dishonorable men shoot unarmed men with army guns, the evil must be prevented by the penitentiary...and not by general deprivation of constitutional privilege." - Arkansas Supreme Court, 1878
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  • 4000fps4000fps Member Posts: 786 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Hey, Happy Birthday. You did OK. YOU liked it, thats the important thing. Now you have a problem. The disease has started. You will buy another one. Then another one...and on and on and on. Enjoy, and let us know what you think after you have been out to a range with it.

    Ron
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  • William81William81 Member Posts: 25,503 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Happy Birthday...Enjoy the new Ruger and do not get hung up on the did I pay too much...If you like it, it is worth it.

    Guns only have two enemies: Rust and Liberals....
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  • JustCJustC Member Posts: 16,056 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I bet it's worth a million dollars if you ever need it!!! besides, next time, (and there will be one) you can get something different and compare.

    A great rifle with a junk scope,....is junk.
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  • GreenLanternGreenLantern Member Posts: 1,647 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Congrats! Just remember to leave it at home when you go out drinking tonight
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  • sf340flyersf340flyer Member Posts: 127 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I used to own a 9MM P85 about 10 years ago and shot it for several years. Worked flawlessly. Had to sell it a while back when money was needed for other toys and wish I sitll had it. Have since purchased many handguns that I personally prefer to the Ruger, but they cost substantially more. Overall the P85 was a very reliable gun and I have no regrets about buying it. I bought mine from an ad in the paper back in about 87 for $225 used. So what you paid is probably about right 15 years later. By the way I made money when I sold it a few years later! Enjoy!
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  • Gordian BladeGordian Blade Member Posts: 1,202 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Look at it this way: It will last you for many years with care and you'll spend a lot more on the ammo you'll run through it and cleaning supplies than you spent for the gun. Don't sell it if it's your first.

    I bought my first "own" pistol about a month ago after having it in lay-away for three months paying it off and waiting for my permit. I've wanted one for a long time, but somehow I never had the money in the budget not to mention patience for the permit. I love shooting it and I'll never sell it, period. And this is at age 50; you have 29 years to enjoy it that I missed out on.
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  • Shootist3006Shootist3006 Member Posts: 4,171
    edited November -1
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY

    That said, you paid WAYYY to much. I bet you could find the same gun for only $324.95!!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY

    Quod principi placuit legis habet vigorem.Semper Fidelis
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  • Josey1Josey1 Member Posts: 9,598 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Wait a minute,didn't you say that you used that Ruger P85( that's on layaway) to draw on a 500 lb, playstation robbing theif in your livingroom?That was you right?like a week ago?I'm not trying to be a jerk or anything but didn't you say "Last night I heard a noise down the steps that woke me out of my sleep. I grabbed my Ruger P85 and headed down the steps. By the time I got there a man bigger then my self was rushing out the door with my playstation 2. I had a clear shot but could not take it. I guess I chickened out. I called the police and the officer told me that if I had a clear shot while he was in the house I should have taken it. How do you guys fell about this and what would you have done? And what did the officer mean by if he was in the house?" on 6/6?Well Happy Birthday anyway.


    "If cowardly and dishonorable men sometimes shoot unarmed men with army pistols or guns, the evil must be prevented by the penitentiary and gallows, and not by a general deprivation of a constitutional privilege." - Arkansas Supreme Court, 1878
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  • 4GodandCountry4GodandCountry Member Posts: 3,968
    edited November -1
    BUSTED: Josey you old dog, you have the memory of an elephant.lol


    When Clinton left office they gave him a 21 gun salute. Its a damn shame they all missed....
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  • thesupermonkeythesupermonkey Member Posts: 3,905 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Josey ROFLMAO!

    Ccasey612 are your eyes brown?

    It's easier to tell the truth, that way you don't end up tripping over your own story.

    So which story(if any) is true by the way?


    Don't worry about the bullet with your name on it, worry about the fragmentation grenade addressed 'To Occupant'.

    Edited by - thesupermonkey on 06/12/2002 16:20:17
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  • JustCJustC Member Posts: 16,056 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Josey1, I didn't want to say anything, but you hit right on it.

    A great rifle with a junk scope,....is junk.
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  • William81William81 Member Posts: 25,503 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Fess up....were you fibbin then or now.....

    Guns only have two enemies: Rust and Liberals....
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  • 4GodandCountry4GodandCountry Member Posts: 3,968
    edited November -1
    I have an Idea the B&E was B&S...lol

    When Clinton left office they gave him a 21 gun salute. Its a damn shame they all missed....
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  • thesupermonkeythesupermonkey Member Posts: 3,905 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Musta been a scary situation facin' down that big ole' perp with only a finger pistol and a shakey hand full of sweat.

    Don't worry about the bullet with your name on it, worry about the fragmentation grenade addressed 'To Occupant'.
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  • ccasey612ccasey612 Member Posts: 901 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    What happened last week was 100% true. I would never joke around like that when my family is involved. It was a type-o last time. I ment to type ruger P-89 that my uncle gave me when I first started shooting. I never said the P-85 was my first handgun. I said it was the first one I ever bought on my own. This makes number 4. I have a jennings my wife got me last for X-mas (do not ask me why), P-89 my uncle corn gave me when he first took me shooting, a S&W 40 cal. my other uncle left last time he visited and he will said I can have it because he dosent want to drive 4 hours to get it. If it will make you guys fell a little better about me I can scan the receipt with a copy of my ID showing you today is my birthday and showing I took the gun home today. I can also post a copy of the receipt from the range showing that I bought 3 boxes of bullets for it. As far as the P-85 goes it shoots great. It fits well in my hand and offeror you where right I do not regret getting it.

    If you will blame gun makers for every shooting then blame car maker for every car accident.
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  • thesupermonkeythesupermonkey Member Posts: 3,905 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I could be wrong since I don't own a Ruger but I was under the impression the P89 was a 9mm, not 40. I can't find a single P89 in 40 on Gunbroker, A-u-c-t-i-o-n A-r-m-s or even on Ruger's own web site. You're not attempting to CYA are you?

    The question wasn't if you bought a gun today, it was whether you were fibbing last week. Especially how you went out of your way to post the model and everything.


    Edited by - thesupermonkey on 06/12/2002 16:42:57
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  • ccasey612ccasey612 Member Posts: 901 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    P-89 and P-85 are both 9mm. The S&W I own is a 40 cal. Go back and read my last post again and you will see.

    If you will blame gun makers for every shooting then blame car maker for every car accident.
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  • thesupermonkeythesupermonkey Member Posts: 3,905 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Yes I see.
    My apologies, I thought you were saying your p89 was a 40 s&w. Us monkeys are dyslexic don't ya know?




    Don't worry about the bullet with your name on it, worry about the fragmentation grenade addressed 'To Occupant'.

    Edited by - thesupermonkey on 06/12/2002 17:00:33
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  • William81William81 Member Posts: 25,503 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I am also sorry for jumping the gun.....

    Guns only have two enemies: Rust and Liberals....
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  • lurkerlurker Member Posts: 414 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Happy Birthday, and enjoy your P-85. I've had mine about 8 years, and it's my favorite large frame gun. I particularly like the overhead shell ejection, no more hits in the face by extracted casings as with my 1911. Good luck.
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  • Gordian BladeGordian Blade Member Posts: 1,202 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I can't really blame everyone for being suspicious. We've had too many liars around here, present company excepted of course.
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  • ccasey612ccasey612 Member Posts: 901 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    It's ok guys. I am person that has to see it to believe it myself. Keeps you on your toes. I like the P-85 alot and now that I am a old guy I am going to apply for my CHP this weekend. Wish me luck.

    If you will blame gun makers for every shooting then blame car maker for every car accident.
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  • gunpaqgunpaq Member Posts: 4,607 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Happy Birthday ccasey612. You got a lifetime gun at a fair price. Have the P85 & P89 with thousands of rounds through with no problems.

    Pack slow, fall stable, pull high, hit dead center.
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  • carbinekingcarbineking Member Posts: 60 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    So you hae been given 3 handguns in the past but now that you are 21, you just bought your first one? Sounds like those other three are a nice ATF violation. I just turned 21 back in November and just now got around to buying a handgun, I vowed I was going to get one once I turned 21, but just was too busy then and the weather was too cold anyway to shoot it. My dad has had my uncle's old S&W Model 10 .38 for a couple years, I would shot it with him, but to my understanding, if you are under 21 and have possession of a handgun, I thought that was illegal, or is it that you just cannot purchase it. Either way, you don't have a permit for it until you are 21. Do you need a permit to exchange ownership inside a family? Is that story about the PS2 true? I know how much I love mmy PS2, but shooting some guy as he is leaving your house is just asking for trouble (unless you live in Texas apparently). Anyway, congrats on your 21st, hope you remember tonight tomorrow morning!
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  • RugerNinerRugerNiner Member Posts: 12,636 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    OK, It's time for me to chime in. I'm just now getting around to checking the threads.

    First of all the original P-85 is a fine gun. Ruger found a way to make minor but significant improvements and came out with the P-85 MKll, which is probably the model ccasey612 bought. What are the first three digits of the serial number? The mags are slightly different for serial # 304-xxxxx and lower. Therfore may not fit exactly perfect in your P-89. I'm assuming the P-85 is 15 round mags.I've had my P-85 MKll so long I don't remember what I paid for it, but I'm sure I could get at least a hundred dollars more than that now.

    If you own a P-89 why buy the P-85? My choice would have been the P-90DC 45cal. I just bought a NIB Hi-cap P-89 with a lower serial number than my P-85. http://gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=4167614

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY and you can't go wrong with a Ruger P-series.

    Remember...Terrorist are attacking Civilians; Not the Government. Protect Yourself!
    Keep your Powder dry and your Musket well oiled.
    NRA Lifetime Benefactor Member.
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  • n/an/a Member Posts: 168,427 ✭
    edited November -1
    Happy Birthday..
    I have yet to buy my first hand gun.. but for now am trying all of Classic's...and buying him guns... so I think its only fair that he buy mine when I decide on one... Right?.. *EG..

    Wonders if she can get a 1911A1.. original... love the one I bought for Classic...
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  • Gordian BladeGordian Blade Member Posts: 1,202 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    BlackRoses, I want to know after you shoot your new husband's guns, do you clean them or does he? (And BTW, belated congrats.) Seems to me you have all of the fun and none of the responsibility, right? Maybe you think it's only fair since a lot of guys get something like that from women in another area of recreation.
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  • ccasey612ccasey612 Member Posts: 901 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The serial number on the P-85 is 303-35127. It is not a ATF violation to own a handgun under 21. The rules in VA goes as follow. Under 21 can not buy handgun or hand gun ammo. Under 21 can shoot and own a handgun as long as you are under the supervision of a parent of some sort (most of the time I was in violation there). But it is not illegal for family to buy a gun for you as a gift (as long as you are over 18).

    If you will blame gun makers for every shooting then blame car maker for every car accident.
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  • n/an/a Member Posts: 168,427 ✭
    edited November -1
    Gordian Blade:::
    Yes I do clean the guns.. ALL OF THEM..and that includes field stripping the .45... When Classic took me to the range for the first time.. he said part of the fun was doing the dirty work..so YES.. I fire them.. and clean them... so nah nah nah...
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  • Gordian BladeGordian Blade Member Posts: 1,202 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    BlackRoses, good for you! I couldn't convince my wife to clean the rifle after firing it; maybe I'd rather do it myself anyway. Grumble, grumble, grumble.
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